A joyful, celebratory atmosphere with heartfelt expressions of appreciation prevailed when the Stellenbosch-based non-governmental organisation Bergzicht Training & Development honoured its working alumni on Wednesday 16 November.
The prizes awarded to them totalled R35 000 in value.
Keynote speaker Marli Goussard, Enterprise Development Consultant at Ranyaka and co-founder of Co-Create Hub, quoted Prof Rudzani Muloiwa of UCT: “The world cannot be changed by those who are unwilling to see the truth about themselves. You are at the beginning of your journey. Always look forward. Your life has meaning. It doesn’t end here for you.” She encouraged every alumnus and alumna to believe in themselves and pursue a purpose.
Olivia Gabriels, a 2021 Food Services Assistant (FSA) alumna, took home the Top Achiever award. “I am very proud of myself and so grateful to Bergzicht for all its effort that assisted me in getting where I am today,” she said.
Gabriels is currently assisting Head Chef Charné Sampson at Epice restaurant in Franschhoek. Her prize, valued at R10 000, was sponsored by Global Accommodation and made possible by CEO Reenen Kok.
Runners-up to the overall Top Achiever award, 2021 FSA alumna Elona Gangqa of the Lanzerac Hotel and 2021 Health & Frail Care alumna Ncebakazi Ndiwa of Spescare (Paarl), shared they were both overwhelmed and grateful. “I learnt to be patient and friendly, and to have a way forward,” Gangqa said.
“It’s a great achievement for me!” Ndiwa added, “for I didn’t expect it. I am so very happy!” Both received a smart phone sponsored by Ackermans.
The programme category winners, Lindokuhle Sibotho of the Lanzerac Hotel, Martha Willemse, a private carer of Hospicare, and Laetitia Johannes of Cloetesville Primary, each received a microwave donated by private sponsors.
Marlene Barnard of the Hanns Seidel Foundation, a long-term Bergzicht funder, said it was “just amazing to see all these courageous and inspiring men and women who successfully turned their lives around. As a 30-year-long partner we couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
Bergzicht also paid tribute to the 42 working alumni who completed programmes in 2021 as well as two alumni from 2020 who have been employed for up to two years. Six finalists and three Top Achievers were awarded prizes sponsored by local retailers and private donors.
Bergzicht CEO Renske Minnaar thanked the organisation’s funders and the Celebration Day sponsors for their continued support, which is instrumental in making Bergzicht such a “successful and happy place”.
Minnaar described this special day’s proceedings as “packed with surprises for everyone”.
